Weeds in Beds, Billbugs, Soil Temps.

WEED CONTROL IN BEDS. Improved weed control in mulched beds is achieved by applying a preemergent herbicide at the time of mulching. Most herbicides that are labeled are applied below the mulch to prevent weed germination. When applying a pesticide always followed labeled instructions.

BILLBUGS ON THE MOVE SOON. Bluegrass billbugs (Spehnophorus parvaulus) overwinter as adults in the thatch, worm holes and in cracks and crevices in the soil. As surface soil temperatures rise above 65 F, which given the current weather conditions seems like a ways off, the adults become active. The adult billbug weevils are black in color with a characteristic snout. The adults are often found crossing sidewalks or driveways looking for Kentucky bluegrass to feed on. Female adults feed briefly then deposit their eggs into the sheath of the plant. Bluegrass billbugs are commonly found in the northern United States and to a lesser extent as you move further south.

Control of the adult bluegrass billbug is not normally recommended at this time. However, if the adult is observed over the next several weeks, the likelihood of grub damage from the egg laying is great. Females can lay over 200 eggs, which may hatch within six days depending on the weather. Symptoms generally appear from June through July. Chemical control for the grub is usually targeted toward the end of May through June.

SOIL TEMPERATURES.